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As the horses' hooves thundered toward Bistri?a far faster than any natural creature could, I considered turning my horse about and fleeing into the forest. I knew not where I could hide during the day and quashed the impulsive idea. Despite my fear, I did believe I could trust Adem. From our previous conversations it was clear that Adem was in no way an admirer of Vlad Dracula, but I feared that he would not be able to protect me if what I had done was revealed.

When we reached the hotel, I once more considered fleeing into the waning night, but knew that I dare not. I dismounted and strode to the hotel, Adem falling into step behind me. His hand gently touched my waist and I glanced up at him.

Leaning toward me, he whispered, “Do not fear me. I only wish to protect you. ”

I felt tears spring to my eyes and was about to answer when I heard a beloved voice.

“Mistress!”

My loyal maidservant rushed toward me, her smile full of joy. To my shock and embarrassment, she fell to her knees before me, gripped my hands and kissed them. I swiftly pulled her to her feet.

“Magda! It is so good to see you!”

“Oh, my dear Countess, I am so happy to be with you once more. I have truly missed you. The Haven is lovely, but I worried so for you. ” Magda’s dark eyes glimmered with tears.

“I thought it best you have proper help to attend to your needs,” Adem said, a satisfied grin on his lips.

“I cannot thank you enough!” My maidservant had been a true ally when I had been in Buda with Vlad. She had helped keep my affair with Ignatius a secret and her loyalty was unwavering. When I had finally realized the depth of her devotion, I had been truly touched. I cared for her as I never had any other servant in my former household.

“Your hem!” Magda exclaimed as she noticed the torn fabric trailing along the floor.

“I tore it when learning to fight,” I explained.

“To fight?”

“With a dagger!” I boasted.

“Oh, my!” She looked horrified, yet impressed. Though her appearance was that of a woman not much older than I, Vlad’s blood had kept her young and strong for more years than I could probably imagine. Though human, she sipped his blood in a ritual that bound her to him.

“Vlad never taught me to defend myself, but Adem is now teaching me. ”

“She is actually quite good when she pays attention to my instructions,” Adem confided to Magda.

“I pay attention to your every word!” I declared.

“When it suits you,” Adem countered.

“Well. . . ” I pursed my lips, then lifted my shoulders. “Yes, yes. . . when it suits me. ”

Adem chuckled as I smiled coyly.

Her dark eyes scanning my clothing, Magda regarded their condition with scorn. “I must tend to your skirt immediately. It isn’t proper for you to be seen like this. You are a countess. ”

Feeling content to have Magda at my side, I pulled off my gloves and hat. “I quite agree. I am rather bedraggled after our adventure tonight. A bath would also be lovely. Let us retire to my room. ”

“I shall escort you there. ” Adem offered his arm politely.

I set my hand on his forearm and squeezed it lightly. “Your surprise is fabulous. I am grateful. ” I gathered up my petticoats with my other hand and we ascended the stairs together.

Chapter 5

The Journal of Countess Dracula

May 26, 1820

The Golden Krone Hotel, Bistri?a

Magda’s arrival has created a semblance of normalcy in my nightly routine that I embrace with gratitude. Frustrated with the condition of my shabby room, she admonished the proprietor and set things in the proper order. She purchased a new bathing tub and washing basin, disgusted with the chipped and stained versions with which I had made do since my arrival. The new curtains and bedclothes in my favorite color of blue are reminiscent of my old room in Buda. My wardrobe is immaculate, having been properly mended and pressed.